AGES 3 to 15
Small steps.
Growing confidence.
Focus, confidence, and respect. Built together, one class at a time.
Explore kids & teens
Gracie Barra West Ashley
Find your strength.Find your people.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for adults and kids.
No experience needed. You belong here.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
Your journey.
Your starting point.
A first activity. A new challenge. A place to grow.
Small steps.
ADULT JIU-JITSU
A new challenge.
A stronger you.
Focus, confidence, and respect. Built together, one class at a time.
Explore adult classesPRIVATE TRAINING
Train one-on-one.
Our instructors
Brazilian roots.
A shared passion for teaching.
Learn from our Brazilian professors and dedicated coaches.
Experience, encouragement, and a shared love of Jiu-Jitsu.
Fabio Alves
Head Professor · Program Director
A Judo black belt since 2012 and Jiu-Jitsu black belt since 2023, Fabio began training at age seven in Brazil. He opened Gracie Barra West Ashley in 2024, bringing his experience and passion for teaching to our community.
Henrique Carepa
Professor · Program Advisor
With more than 20 years of Jiu-Jitsu experience, Henrique is a Gracie Barra competitor and program advisor. He moved from Brazil to California in 2012 to work as an IBJJF director, before bringing his teaching to Charleston in 2021.
Rafael Carepa
Professor
Rafael began training Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil in 1999 and earned his black belt in 2012. He brings a lifelong passion for learning to his teaching, helping students develop discipline, confidence, respect, and growth through consistent practice and mentorship.
Rodrigo Godoy
Professor
Training since 1984 and a black belt since 2010, Rodrigo brings decades of teaching and competition experience. A certified IBJJF referee, he has officiated major championships and earned consecutive Best Kids Coach titles in Dubai in 2018 and 2019.
Pepe Lacerda
Coach · Brown Belt
Pepe grew up on the mats and brings an avid competitor’s perspective to the team. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with multiple competition titles, he continues his journey on the mats as a coach and competitor.
01 / 05
Qualified to teach.
Committed to your training.
All our professors share the same commitment to safe, professional instruction and hold the certifications and qualifications below.
- Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program (ICP)
- Background checked
- CPR & AED certified
- HEADS UP youth-sports coach training
- U.S. SafeSport certified
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
★★★★★“Everyone treats you like family and everyone helps each other improve and grow.”
Bill Donahue · Student review
Read student storiesNEW TO JIU-JITSU?
You don’t have to
figure it out alone.
Start with an introduction. Get to know the school, ask your questions, and find the right class for you or your child.
More first-class questions- 01
Tell us who’s training.
Request an intro class for yourself or your child using our booking form.
- 02
Find your starting point.
Check the schedule or contact our team for help choosing a class. New adults can start with GB1 Fundamentals.
- 03
Get ready for the mat.
Bring water, and ask our team about the uniform and arrival time before your visit.
LET’S GET STARTED
Your first class.
A whole new chapter.
Come meet your team. We’ll help you find your starting point.
Book your intro class Book privatesClass request form opens in a new tab.
Have a question first? Text our team →